IECC | Programs

Semester 1

Prefix/Num

Program Overview:
Child care services are in high demand, creating a strong need for qualified professionals. The Early Childhood Education degree program prepares graduates to meet qualification standards for a variety of child care settings. Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is recognized as a Gateways to Opportunity Entitled Institution, and Gateways Credentials awarded through the program are recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Child Care and Development.

Graduates of the program are eligible to earn Gateways Credentials and pursue entry-level positions such as day care teacher, nursery school teacher, sheltered workshop staff in work activity programs, institutional aides for children with disabilities, and teacher aides in public schools. Select coursework may transfer to four-year institutions.

Per the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, individuals with identified child abuse offenses are not eligible for employment in this field and may not enroll in the program.

Early Childhood Education students must pass all courses in the program with at least a C and maintain a minimum term GPA of 2.0 to proceed through the program.

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Course will be the survey of early childhood educational programs and principles to give historical and philosophical perspective to current issues and trends. Desirable qualities, skills, duties, and responsibilities of early childhood care providers are examined.

A foundation course for early childhood and infant-toddler practitioners including an in-depth study of physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language, and aesthetic development; an examination of current research and major developmental theories. Students examine how children develop and learn and understand the mutual influences among different domains of development, including those related to special needs. Students explore the Gateway Human Growth and Development Benchmarks.

This course offers a comprehensive study of infant and toddler development (birth to 3 years), focusing on the seven ITC content areas. Students will examine the specific needs of infants and toddlers across various childcare settings. The course will cover curriculum development techniques for infants and toddlers (preparation, designing, and early interventions). The course addresses the unique challenges of teaching infants (birth to 12 months), older infants (12-24 months), and toddlers (24-36 months), including children with developmental and physical disabilities.

This course provides an overview of the health, safety and nutritional needs of young children and early childhood practices to ensure the health and well-being of each child in a group setting. Content includes roles and responsibilities of adults in meeting children’s diverse needs, the promotion of healthy life style practices, understanding common childhood illnesses and injuries, meeting health, nutrition and safety standards, and planning nutritious meals that are appropriate for each child. Laws and standards governing early childhood facilities are examined.

Composition I is an introductory course in composition and rhetoric emphasizing expository prose. Major focus is on organization, paragraph structure, and elimination of mechanical errors. The writing course sequence will (1) develop awareness of the writing process; (2) provide inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stress the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasize critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Grade of C or better is required for IAI transfer credit.

This course is designed to develop the student's appreciation of the value of communication between individuals and between business and industries. It is to provide a practical application for today's trades, business, and industrial workers, particularly in the comprehension and expression of written English as it applies to business letters, reports, and memoranda.

This course helps students develop essential personal skills for success in college and in life. Topics include accountability, creative thinking, cultural awareness, ethical reasoning, financial literacy, global learning, industry-specific knowledge and skills, inquiry and analysis, integrative learning, interpersonal development, leadership, problem-solving, professionalism, reading, teamwork, and technology literacy.

This course explores teaching techniques which foster optimum physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of young children. Methods of teaching preschool children are stressed although activities for infants and toddlers are discussed. All curricula will be covered, including literature, mathematics, all sciences, social studies, the arts, physical education, and computer activities.

A survey of methods of curriculum planning for early childhood facilities is presented. Goals, objectives, motivational techniques, teaching methods, unit planning, lesson plan construction and creative activities are emphasized.

This course focuses on the diverse needs of the child within the context of family, school, and community. The course will examine the interplay of diverse culture, lifestyles, abilities, language and communication with the role of the early childhood environment and other community institutions. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting evidence-based practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships through effective use of community and family resources.

This course covers games and activities for young children; Including body mechanics, basic exercises, and rhythms. Developing a physical education curriculum with appropriate lesson and unit plans is also discussed.

This course is designed to build upon the foundations of FYE1198 by focusing on students’ professional, academic, and personal readiness for the next stage of their educational or career journey. Through experiential activities and applied projects, students will learn strategies for resume and cover letter development, networking, interviewing, and job/transfer searches. Additional emphasis will be placed on financial literacy, health and wellness, cultural awareness, and personal branding. Students will engage in individual and group projects, including a service-learning component, to strengthen transferable skills and prepare for successful transitions into the workforce or four-year institutions.

This course reviews case studies, studies anecdotal records, presents outside readings and utilizes diagnostic tools for studying children. The field experience will include action research, supervised observational activities, individual student participation as well as evaluative reporting on the physical, emotional, social, and mental value of each educational setting for children.

Topics included are state agencies and regulations, public relations, selecting and managing staff, selecting space and equipment, managing money and monitoring programming.

This course is designed for students enrolled in technical programs. Topics include: measurement and approximation, algebraic principles and operation, identification and use of formulas. In addition, geometric and trigonometric principles may also be covered if applicable to the program area. Emphasis is placed on the application of mathematical concepts to the solution of problems in vocational and technical fields. PREREQUISITE: Score at beginning algebra level on placement exam or consent of instructor.

Short informative and persuasive speeches are prepared and presented. This course places emphasis on selection and organization of materials, methods of securing interest and attention, and elements of delivery as well as characteristics of effective criticism and listening.

An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to face-to-face interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation, maintenance, and termination of social, romantic, familial, and professional relationships.

A survey of the study of human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary psychological investigation. Topics may include the biology of behavior, sensation, motivation, emotion, life-span development, personality, abnormal behavior and its therapies, social behavior, and individual differences. NO PREREQUISITE.

Introductory course is an overview of educational and evidence-based strategies supporting children with exceptional cognitive, social, physical, and emotional needs. Identification, intervention strategies, methods, and programs to meet the needs of children are presented. Study of applicable federal and state laws and requirements conducted, including: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Individualized Family Service Plan, Individualized Education Programs, and inclusive programming. Classroom observations are incorporated into each unit of study to reinforce learning.

This course covers the standards, principles, and practices in teaching mathematics and science to young children ages birth through eight. Includes an introduction of the theory and practice related to the curricular areas of science and math for young children. Emphasis will be placed on the development and evaluation of developmentally appropriate activities and instructional materials. This course includes three hours of field experiences and field observations of young children in early childhood setting.

Children's Literature provides a study of the major genres, themes, and critical concerns of literature written for children and young adults with special attention to the historical, social, and cultural contexts that have influenced literature for young people. Written reactions to texts and formal interpretations of the literature are integral components of the course. Students will also critically analyze the age-appropriateness of children's books as well as strategies for writing about cultural, ethnic, religious, and societal implications and differences. PREREQUISITE: ENG 1111 Composition I or consent of instructor.

This course is designed to give a comprehensive approach to theory of child psychology. Topics may include prenatal development, genetics, motor, language, cognitive, emotional, and social development from infancy to adolescence. This course will emphasize the integration of biological, psychological, and social/cultural factors in the psychology of children. Theoretical material, research, and an introduction to research methodology applied to the study of childhood will be presented.

The course is a supervised teaching and caregiving experience for children ages 0-3. The student teacher/caregiver will demonstrate skills of educational planning, providing effective classroom discipline, and motivational techniques for teaching young children. One credit hour is equivalent to a minimum of 75 hours of supervised work experience. PREREQUISITE: Student must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in 12 semester hours of credit in the corresponding discipline.

The course is a supervised, on the job experience of teaching children ages 2-6 in a supervised lab setting, directly supervised by instructor and on-site facilitators. The student will develop and implement educational plans for teaching and caring for children. An individual training agreement will be developed for each student to assist them in meeting educational objectives necessary for their teaching objectives. One credit hour is equivalent to a minimum of 75 hours of supervised work experience. PREREQUISITE: Student must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in 12 semester hours of credit in the corresponding discipline.

The student will, in a laboratory setting, demonstrate skills of early childhood instruction in relation to infants and toddlers. This course is an extension of ECE 1225 Infant & Toddler Curriculum. This course will assist in obtaining Illinois Gateways Infant and Toddler Credentialing.

This internship specialization requires on-the-job training. The work experience is designed to give the education student the experience and skills needed in the performance of job descriptions with children 4-8 years of age. An individual training agreement will be developed for each student. One credit hour is equivalent to a minimum of 75 hours of supervised work experience. PREREQUISITE: Student must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in 12 semester hours of credit in the corresponding discipline.

This second internship specialization requires on-the-job training. The work experience is designed to give the education student teacher the additional experience and skills needed in the performance of job descriptions with children ages 4-8 years of age. An individual training agreement will be developed for each student. One credit hour is equivalent to a minimum of 75 hours of supervised work experience. PREREQUISITE: Student must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in 12 semester hours of credit in the corresponding discipline.

We recommend that you contact an advisor before enrolling in any degree, certificate, or transfer program to ensure all requirements are met including total hours associated with transfer courses.

This is a General Education or Elective course to be selected and therefore has no schedule link.